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It's no wonder the Alhambra in Granada is one of the most visited monuments in Spain
We try to explain why....
"The Alhambra- one of our favourite places to visit."
We must have visited the Alhambra in Granada ten or more times by now. And each time we go we see something new.
The Alhambra is one of those "must see", most visited monuments in Spain. And as there is a limit of "just" 5000 visitors a day, it is important to book your visit in advance (scroll down to the Nasrid Palace below, or go directly to Buying tickets for the Alhambra).
The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but I just think of it as a "friend" that sits there, overseeing Granada city, and ensuring that all is well.
The Granada Alhambra is actually situated on the top of the Sabika hill to the east of the city with the River Darro running by. The surrounding woods and mountains provided protection in earlier years, but now they serve to give an enticing air to the Alhambra.
The name Alhambra comes from the Arabic qalat-al-hambrá which means the red, relating to the red soil which surrounded the original fort.
Many people who decide to visit the Alhambra of Granada initially assume that it only consists of the Nasrid Palace, which hosts the Patio de los Leones (courtyard of lions) and that it is surrounded by the royal gardens (the Generalife). In actual fact, the Alhambra used to be a city of approximately 104,000 square metres which hosted buildings typical of most Muslim cities.
It now covers 142,000 square metres and so, no matter which aspect you are particulary interested in - the buildings, the history, the moorish influence or the beautiful gardens, you are sure to find what you want here.
There is a lot to be amazed and astounded about when you visit.
Here is a selection of things to look out for..
Originally there were three main gates into the Alhambra Granada... The Puerta de las Armas in the south west, the Puertas de la Justicia in the north west (The Gates of Weapons and Justice), and the Puerta de los Siete Suelos (Gate of the Seven Floors) in the south east. However, according to legend, when Boabdil left the Alhambra through the Gate of the Seven Floors, the Catholic Monarchs decided that out of respect for him, the gate would be walled up so that no-one would ever walk through it again.
The Palace of Charles the Fifth
in the Alhambra in Granada
This Palace was commissioned by Charles V when he came to Granada on his honeymoon and he literally fell in love with the city. Construction started in 1527.
The central area remains open to the elements and creates a fascinating contrast of design and appearance. The building is on two levels with a rounded walkway supported by columns around a central courtyard inside. The shape of the Palace is basically a circular courtyard set within a building which is square on the outside.
The south and west outsides of the palace are decorated in a distinctive Italian style. Above the entrance to the Palace you will see three medallions inside a circle of serpentine (green marble) brought from the Sierra Nevada. The centre medallion shows the Spanish coat of arms and the other two depict scenes of Hercules holding the Cretan bull and Hercules killing the Nemean lion.
The palace was the site of a special celebration in 2007. The Fine Arts Museum and Alhambra Museum are housed here, and no ticket is necessary to visit this Palace.
The Medina
The Medina (arab quarter) is where the government officials, employees and servants lived and worked in the Alhambra through Granada. They also had workshops, public baths, ovens and most everything else associated with a living, breathing town. The buildings were left in ruins after the war of Independence although foundations and ruins can easily be seen as you walk by.
The Alcazaba
Most of the construction of this, the fortified castle area, dates from the years 1200 to 1400's during the Nasrid period, although parts also date from the Caliph period.
The Alcazaba was the first part of the Alhambra complex to be built and its triangular shape was constructed on the originally treeless bare rock, 200 metres above the city of Granada. It was an impregnable stronghold and was never taken - ever! (the surrender of Granada took place outside the Alhambra).
The Torre del Cubo (The Cube Tower) was added by the Christians.
At 27 metres high, the Torre de la Vela (The Watch Tower) boasts an unmissable view of Granada city, the Albaycin and its mirador San Nicolas, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the fertile plains (Vega) of the city. It is well worth the effort of climbing to the top!
While you are in this part of the Ahambra of Granada, you can easily explore the towers, parapets, ramparts and examine the remains of the baths and silo.
The Alhambra of Granada Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces are actually a complex of three palaces where the kings of Granada lived. The Mexuar Palace, the Comares Palace and, finally, the Palace of Lions.
Latterly the three palaces were joined together and they were all used as a single complex.
The appearance and style of the palaces are outstanding. As you walk around you will find lots of evidence of the unique style developed by the Moors in Anadalucia.... Shapes and exquisite lettering, stalactitic decorations and elegant soaring columns abound to impress and amaze.
The Nasrid palace is the only part of the Alhambra in Granada which has a time slot for entry, allocated when you buy your ticket. Inside the palaces you can see the ornately carved hieroglyphics which create a startling pattern on the walls and ceilings. Running water is also used to good effect in the terraces and gardens, providing comfort by its sound as it flows, tumbles and drops.
When you walk around, take your time, take your camera and look out for
- The Golden Room with its wooden ceiling decorated in gold leaf,
- The Courtyard of the Myrtles preceded by the still waters which give beautiful reflections,
- The ceiling in the Hall of Ambassadors where you can see the seven crowns of stars and the central cupola which represents the "Islamic Paradise",
- The Hall of the Two Sisters with the stunning cupola ceiling,
- The Whispering Gallery where you will be the only one to hear your partner's secret message whispered to you from across the opposite side of the room,
- The Palace of the Lions with the courtyard of the lions
- The stunning Hall of the Kings and
- The Royal Baths.
The Generalife of the Alhambra in Granada
Lush flowers, plants and hedges are set out in different "rooms" and provide a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy your time in the "Gardens of the Alhambra", or Generalife as they are known.
The name Generalife (pronounced Hen-er-al-eef-i) comes from the Arabic word meaning "Garden of the Architect" and is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens in the world.
Initially, the Generalife was designed to provide an area of recreation, horticulture and agriculture, as well as a game reserve and somewhere to raise livestock. And as this area was intended for the kings of Granada to relax it was groomed to a be as delightful a place as possible.
The present-day gardens were freshly planned and developed in the early 1930's. There is a modern day ampitheatre, built in 1952 near the old entrance. The ampitheatre is a very popular venue in the summer for the shows organised as part of the International Festival of Music and Dance of Granada each year. The Festival is a very popular attraction for all of us at our bed and breakfast Granada accommodation.
While looking around the Generalife, look out for the Patio de la Acequia which consists of a long channel of water, punctuated with fountains and surrounded by flowerbeds. Another area well worth looking out for is the Staircase of water which has water continuously flowing down the bannisters.
Even though the Ahambra in Granada is always the same, in another sense it is always changing... To keep up to date with what is happening here subscribe to our newsletter. It is free.
A Muslim poet described the hill where the Alhambra in Granada is situated as a crown, and the Alhambra a great ruby set into it.
When you visit it, we would be delighted to hear what you think.
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